Premiership players have condemned plans to extend the domestic season to 10 months from 2019-20, saying the move would have serious implications and unnecessarily add to their physical and mental strain.
Premiership Rugby drew up its plan last March after World Rugby announced changes to the global calendar that would mean the domestic season in Europe starts a month later in October and goes on until the end of June rather than May.
The Pro12 board immediately agreed to keep a three-month off-season and start its league at the beginning of October but Premiership Rugby said it would begin its campaign as usual in September but go on for an extra month.
“The proposal had not been discussed with us,” said the Rugby Players’ Association in a statement. “The RPA has always sought to work collaboratively with Premiership Rugby to address player welfare concerns. It therefore caused significant concern and disappointment to our members to learn of Premiership Rugby’s plans to extend the domestic season via a press release.
“Despite this disappointment, Premiership Rugby were invited to present their proposals in more detail to the RPA players’ board on Wednesday 10 May. However, after due consideration, the board unanimously rejected these proposals in their current form.
“The Premiership season is already longer than comparable contact sports, including Super League, NFL and AFL. Extending an already arduous season from nine months to ten has serious implications for players, given the potential increase to the game, training and psychological loads they face. The physical and mental strain placed on participants of professional contact sport cannot be underestimated.”
The RPA, whose chairman Christian Day, the Northampton second-row, said last month he did not rule out the threat of a strike, added the reduction of the off-season from three to two months would have a seriously detrimental effect on player welfare unless substantial guaranteed safeguards are introduced. Premiership Rugby has said it plan would not increase the number of matches for players.
“The RPA fought hard for the inclusion of a mandatory five week off-season break in the standard Premiership contract but players also require an extensive pre-season period to sufficiently prepare for the physical demands of the season,” continued the statement. “A significant off-season period is essential to provide physical and, crucially, mental respite for our members.
“Perhaps most worryingly is the incredible strain these proposals would place on international players. If the Premiership season retains its start date, the addition of a July tour schedule will lead to an 11-month season for these players. This cannot be avoided unless these players start their domestic season later, which brings into question the need for the season extension.
“All players fully recognise the fundamental role Premiership clubs and Premiership Rugby have played in investing in and creating a thriving domestic league in England. Whilst we also acknowledge the reduction of overlaps between international and domestic rugby is desirable, we do not believe the proposals are viable.
“It is critical that those playing the game have a full say in how it is run and we look forward to working together with all the game’s stakeholders on this issue to ensure rugby union continues to flourish in England.”
